Reject old order, initiate new one, group urges Nigerian youths

Nigerian youths have been urged to do away with the old order and initiate a new one by embarking on a personal revolution that would change what has been described as ongoing charade in the country.

Lead Animator of The Centre for Citizens Rights (TCCR) in Calabar, Cross River State, Father Evaristus Bassey, said such a decision should be seen as a personal revolution against future impunity, since a general revolution is impossible in the country due to regional, religious and ethnic affiliations.

His words: “Educated Nigerian youths should be prepared to do away with the old order and initiate a new one. A small act of faith of such as voting according to one’s conviction could help spring a surprise and a revolution against those who think they own Nigeria.

“Nigerian youths should not subscribe to the philosophy of ‘if you can’t beat them, you join them,’ for this may have been responsible for the stranglehold on our nation’s resources by a few greedy political elite.

“An intentional protest vote that would amount to a break from the ineptitude and selfishness of the past could go a long way in sowing seeds of hope for a new Nigeria. Winning is not only when a party of our choice wins; the first and greatest triumph should be a victory of our consciences.

“Nigerian youths should not want to win at all costs, but should sow seeds for a new nation by voting for those with promise and not just those with prospect of winning. It is because we want to win at all costs that we get compromised and go against our consciences.”

However, the group charged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the new hope being raised by outstanding candidates that debated on January 19, 2019, and those interviewed, adding: “They should vote for any of them that impressed them.

“In Nigeria today, situations are hardly viewed from the perspective of principles; rather they are viewed from regional, religious and political perspectives.

For instance, there is no need hoping that there would be a consensus that the President is indisposed and therefore, cannot run for office, apart from acting ultra vires.

“Our polity has not matured to a level of taking decisions simply for the common good. Non-partisan Nigerians, therefore, should not waste their time hoping for a groundbreaking decision in this regard.”